Higher reaches of Himachal receive snowfall

SHIMLA, Oct 5: The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass and Dhauladhar ranges, received the season’s fresh snowfall on Sunday morning, leading to a drop in the minimum temperature. The Kullu district administration has suspended vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass and advised commuters not to venture through this highway, officials said. Strong icy winds swept the higher and mid hills of the state early Sunday, followed by severe thunderstorm, lightning and intermittent rains. The sprawling Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district also received the first snowfall of the season and icy winds lashed the adjoining valley areas, signalling the onset of winters, reports reaching here said. Reports of uprooting of trees due to storm and heavy downpour are pouring in fr